EFFECTS OF MEDICINE ON HORSES. 
21 
ought to have foreseen and prevented ere it commenced. The 
plain truth is, that for many years past a few stocks only have 
been the producers of all these obese animals ; and from breeding 
in-and-in, and from pampering, the original excellence is worn 
out. That benefit was derived from the dispersion of well-formed 
animals must be admitted ; but that was before the degeneracy 
had become established ; the mischief has now gone too far with 
these “show stocks:” the bad points have existed long enough to 
be transmitted to the offspring*. Our old fine breeds are in their 
full vigour still ; and, despite of partial clubs, shows, or whatever 
else “ fashion” may for the time sanction, common-sense will keep 
them as perfect and as famed as they ever were, as our fairs, and 
more particularly Smithfield, are daily shewing. 
Dec. 1846. 
EFFECTS OF MEDICINE ON HORSES. 
[Continued from p. 624, vol. xviii.] 
By William Percivall, M.R.C.S . and V.S. 
Poison Oak or Sumach — Rhus Toxicodendron. 
Sept. 15, 1S12. — To a horse in a violent stage of acute glanders, 
shewing spots of ulceration upon both sides of the septum nasi, and 
having the submaxillary glands on both sides in a state of enlarge- 
ment — notwithstanding all which, however, save that he was in 
low condition, he appeared pretty well in his general health, feed- 
ing well, &c. — but as yet having no symptom of farcy, was given 
Jj of the leaves of the plant, made up into balls, twice a-day. 
16/4. — gij twice a-day. 
17/4. — In consequence of some failing in his appetite, the dose 
to be reduced to gss twice a-day. And in consequence of his legs 
swelling, he is to be taken out, morning and afternoon, for walking 
exercise. 
18/4. — His appetite having returned, the dose is increased again 
to gj twice a-day. 
19/4. — gij twice a-day. 
20/4. — His appetite again affected. Continue the gij balls. 
* A curious fact is stated by W. J. Goodwin, Esq., V.S. to her Majesty, in 
connexion with the breeding of her Majesty’s “creams.” The sire and dam, 
brought from Hanover, of the height of fourteen hands, became, by better 
management, in the second generation, sixteen or even sixteen and a half hands 
high ; and when these larger progeny are sent back to the country of their 
progenitors, and submitted to the same management, they return, in the like 
period of two generations, to the original small size. 
